Euronews has obtained medical documents that contradict the official narrative of Aleksandr Taraikovsky's death.
ADVERTISEMENTDemonstrations continue to grip the Belarus capital Minsk for a second straight week, following a disputed election result that appeared to give longtime president Alexander Lukashenko a landslide victory.
Many who have taken to the streets say they're witnessing the most brutal crackdown by police in the country’s recent history.
State media report that more than 6,000 people have been detained and at least 2 people have been killed.
Aleksandr Taraikovsky was one.
He attended a protest in Minsk on 10 August but, according to an official report, died when an “unidentified explosive device” went off in his hand.
Taraikovsky's partner Alena Herman disputes the conclusion and says after seeing his body it showed no evidence to support that.
“There were no signs of burns on his hands or on his body or on his head," she said. "On his chest, there was what looked to me like a stitched-up wound and a big bruise.”
Alena says it took authorities two full days to notify the family of Taraikovsky’s death.
Euronews has obtained medical records, showing his death was caused by severe blood loss resulting from blunt trauma to the chest.
No mention is made of an "explosive device" in Taraikovsky's hand.
An investigation by the Cube has also found evidence contradicting the statement made by the Belarusian Interior Ministry.
The incident took place on the streets above Puškinskaja metro station in eastern Minsk, where hundreds of demonstrators had blocked the roads with cars on August 10.
Verified video from the scene shows Aleksandr Taraikovsky approaching a line of armed security officers with his arms raised, and no visible object in his hand.
After several seconds, a flash of orange light can be seen from within the row of armed personnel.
Video from The Associated Press then shows Taraikovsky staggering backward with a visible chest wound.
Lukashenko has defended the police crackdown and insists he is preventing his country from falling into chaos.
The Ministry of Interior statement on Telegram said that an investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances of Aleksandr Taraikovsky's death.
Alena Herman told Euronews that there's been enough chaos already and wants a more honest investigation into her partner's death.
ADVERTISEMENT"I want those responsible to be brought to justice."